2 Samuel 21:1-22

21:1-2 | The story of how Saul broke Joshua’s treaty with Gibeon (Josh. 9) and put some of the Gibeonites to death is not recorded in Scripture, but it is consistent with Saul’s ruthlessness. His sin caused a famine throughout Israel. This incident appears to have occurred after David’s kindness to Mephibosheth but before Absalom’s rebellion.

21:3-14 | Why David handed over the few remaining descendants of Saul to atone for Saul’s sin is puzzling, because it seems contrary to God’s command in Deuteronomy 24:16 that children not be put to death for their father’s sins. No commentary is offered here as to whether or not David’s decision was according to God’s will. However, it did eventually lead to relief from the famine and was therefore enough (or more than enough) to atone for Saul’s sin.

21:8-7 | Note that there are two Mephibosheths. The one born to Jonathan was spared, but the one born to Saul and his concubine Rizpah was hung.

21:17 | David’s men demonstrated loyalty. Their oath was an indication that David was the national hope, and that Israel’s security and existence depended on him (1 Kgs. 11:36).